Buying Used 2001

I've admired the Miata since they came out but always needed a lot more room. Finally got where I don't need a lot of room in a second car so am considering buying one. There's a 2001 which looks nice on Craig's list. Problem is I live on an island so it's an expensive ferry ride to go check it out so I'd like to buy it the same day if I like it. I'm a decent home mechanic so what should I be on the lookout for? (Other than the usual things like bent frames, leaks and smoke.) Is there a particular weakness in the 2001?

Also have to admit I have never driven one tho in my youth I owned and/or drove 71 Jaguar E-type, 71 Corvette, various MGs, Austin-Healeys, RX7 and Porsches. Enjoyed driving all of them except the Porsches. I can't stand the harsh uncomfortable ride of the the Porsches so I'm hoping the Miata rides more like an English car and less like a Porsche. Any opinions on the ride? If they ride like a Porsche I will just forget it and save the ferry fee.

Finally my current car, a 2009 Matrix is so loud (air leaks, tire noise and gear whines) that I think it is ruining my hearing. How is the Mazda for noise? Should I look for a hard top for it?